Seeing Happiness, Again

Dwelling in the present moment, we can see so many beauties and wonders right before our eyes–a child’s smile, the sun rising, the autumn leaves ~Thich Nhat Hanh

flowers often seem nicer on the other side ~d nelson

“Are you blind?” I asked the young man sitting next to me in the park. I had offered empathetic listening as he explained at length how there’s nothing to do here and that’s why this town is boring. If only he could get a ride an hour to the nearest city there would be fun things to do so he wouldn’t be bored. He replied that he had two good eyes.

I told him of my moon watching meditation last night.
How the golden hues of sunset were still setting the hills ablaze
with a golden glow as this super full moon rose up behind them
in plain view for all to see.

Such a miracle to see, at all.
Offering more than enough conditions for me to be happy.

super moon

I shared with him about diabetic patients I used to care for.
How, over time, many lost their vision
due to the corrosive effects of too much glucose
running through eye’s blood vessels.
And how they became so sad and unhappy
when they could no longer see well, or at all.

I asked if there is anything he really likes to look at
and he told me how pretty his girlfriend is.
After a few more comments to each other
he went off to be with his special friend
where he was going to look at her with new eyes
and tell her how special she is to him.

I am happy that he decided to open his eyes
to beauty present before him
and let go of the idea of being bored.

When I tell others who have never been to or lived in the High Desert that we have a beautiful array of browns; hues you won’t find elsewhere, they still smirk. The majestic panoramas here are unparalleded in many parts. There is a reason acclaimed artist Georgia O’Keeffe came here… and never left. Perspective helps. 🙂

It never ceases to amaze me how many sighted people see so little of the beauty around them.

It’s like those in modern society who are forever wishing for something material to make them happy. They believe they will be happy when they leave school and get a job. Then comes the desire to achieve material success (Iike all their peers). After they have the ‘ultimate’ job and everything their neighbour has, they still aren’t happy. It’s all a state of mind. Happiness is not an exterior possession – it’s in internal joy that springs up and bubbles over. All people have to do to be happy is find the joy in the everyday, the mundane, the ordinary……..and see all life as unique and extraordinary.

It’s been too long since I’ve come to visit. Grateful I did, for you’ve caused me to look up from this screen, see the leaves rustling, listen to the many birds singing, smell an unknown floral sweetness, feel the breeze on my skin. And, there, to complete my sensory satisfaction, I took a sip of clean water. Life is good.

So very true! There is no need to be bored if you just open your eyes and look around! There are so many wonders and beauty to see and enjoy! When I was a kid and would tell my dad I was bored, he said in that case I must be boring! 😮😂

I’m a teacher, and I feel as though I’m always trying to explain this to my students. There is no way you can be bored if you open your eyes to the beauty and magic all around you. The world has limitless opportunities for learning, growth, and fun!

Loved your description of a world rampant with beauty, David, if we but take the time to observe. It’s a slower thing, a calmer thing than so much modern entertainment. But once you catch hold of the plot it’s a stunner!

Even though I have to look around more and more “floaters” in my eyes. you have reminded me that I am thankful I can still see sunsets, hear birds, feel the wind on my face, smell the flowers, and taste the sun sweet berries.

Hi David,
This post is beautiful in a way that words fail me, for sure. Also synchronistic is my coming across and reposting a blog from the same date 7-12-14, it was a thoughtful astrological blog post. I believe this is the first time I am reading this post, and my awareness of synchronicity is afoot!
Much love,
Ka

What a wonderful and touching post, dear David. I love that you reminded the young man of the truth that beauty can be found anywhere really if we pay attention, and that we are blessed beyond measure even though the mind keeps doubting…Wishing you a wonderful Christmas time, David, full of love, health, and beautiful moments of appreciation and wonder. Hugs, Maria Elena